Jody Byrne: Family of Port Hedland BHP worker killed by train thanks community for support

The family of a BHP worker who died after being hit by a train in February has sent a heartfelt thank you to the Hedland community in the days following the man’s funeral. Jody Byrne, a yard technician, was working at the Boodarie rail yard when the tragedy unfolded about 9.30pm on February 7. In an emotional statement after Mr Byrne’s funeral, his family thanked the support from the Port Hedland community. “Our beloved Jody was laid to rest on Wednesday March 8 in Townsville,” the statement began. “We celebrated his three life loves — family, fishing and footy. “Jody loved working in rail – it was a passion shared by many members of our family, including our daughter Nicole, who will continue to pursue a career in rail and become a train driver like her father.” Mr Byrne is survived by his wife, three daughters and four grandchildren. “Outside of work, his family was everything, especially his grandbabies — Dean, his best little mate, Brooklyn his princess, Thiea his nugget and Alania his growly bear,” the family statement said. “We have been surrounded by care and support since his death last month. The love and compassion shown by the communities of Port Hedland, Sarina, Cloncurry and Townsville have helped us through such a difficult part of our lives. “But we have taken great comfort in knowing the people that worked with Jody loved him just as much as we do.” The 51-year-old started working in rail in 1995 at the age of just 25, and joined BHP in 2013, working in the Queensland coal and WA iron ore teams. The family moved to Port Hedland in 2022. “I will forever cherish the time we had in Port Hedland together – it was perfect. Talking on the balcony before bed, hearing his laugh and Facetiming the kids and grandkids — words cannot express how much I will miss him,” the family statement said. “I will always love and miss you my wonderful Joe. You were our rock, our foundation, our safe place. It is hard to imagine a world without you in it. “Your legacy will live on forever through our beautiful family and our amazing memories together.” The incident marks the first death at BHP’s WA iron ore operations in over a decade.